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Elevation Tower

STARH · Varna - Bulgaria

  • People's Choice Award 2026

    Concept Design — Transport & Mobility Concept

  • Category Winner 2026

    Concept Design — Transport & Mobility Concept

Elevation Tower by STARH
Photography: Dian Stanchev

Overview

The Elevation Tower is situated on the coast of Varna in a section characterized by its steep topography and concrete retaining wall. It connects two key pedestrian areas of the city - Alley One and the Sea Garden, overcoming a vertical drop of over 30 metres. The project is of great public importance to the city, improving accessibility in the area and becoming a landmark architectural feature. The design of the tower communicates visually and materially with its context through the use of light exposed concrete, integrating seamlessly into the existing landscape. The building consists of two simple volumes: a vertical box that houses the staircase and elevator, and a horizontal observation platform that also provides access to the upper level. The composition balances between solidity and transparency - vertical louvres enclose the staircase, emphasising the height of the tower while lightening its visual weight, while the lift cage has a narrow opening offering uninterrupted views during ascent and descent. With its minimalist design approach, the tower has a monumental presence, with the potential to become an iconic landmark along the Varna waterfront. The project not only provides an immediate link between two key pedestrian routes, improving accessibility and reducing travel time, but also aims to transform the prosaic act of vertical communication into an enjoyable and visually stimulating experience. As a result, the tower becomes an important architectural addition to the city coastline, combining practicality with aesthetic appeal, enriching the local environment in a number of aspects.

Studio
STARH
Location
Varna - Bulgaria
Edition
2026
Discipline
Concept Design
Category
Transport & Mobility Concept

Project credits

Lead Designer
Svetoslav Stanislavov
Team
Dimitar Katsarov, Iva Kostova, Hristo Dushev, Borislav Stanchev, Debora Hristova, Marina Madzharova, Maria Yanakieva, Rositsa Atanasova, Izabel Todorova, Angela Zlatanova, Viktoria Mihova, Daniel Petrov, Georgi Pasev, Vladimir Kavaev
Photography
Dian Stanchev

Recognised by LOOP

  • 2026

    People's Choice Award

    Concept Design

    Transport & Mobility Concept

  • 2026

    Category Winner

    Concept Design

    Transport & Mobility Concept

All 2026 winners